Award of Valor

Thank you so much blue for this award... I always love your world of creep blog site. It gives detailed synopsis of every creepy films that I loved watching!

Ways to Happiness

Reading from the latest issue of Reader's Digest, I found an article with a very inviting title: The Way to Happiness. Instantly, I got interested with it (well of course, everybody wants to be happy in one way or another). It tells of some proven tips to help you feel better and happier.

Ways to Turn That Frown Upside Down

1. Be Less Virtual, More 3-D

Hmm... sounds techno, huh! But this is very true. Modern technology has direct effect on our social life. Technology has offered a lot of benefits and advantages but it also made life complicated. Today, most people rely on “cyber ways” of making friends and meeting different groups from all over the world. This limits us from having direct human contact. A major part of your life concerns your relationship and dealing with other people. Fulfillment in your social interactions can contribute to leading a satisfying and successful life.

2. 4, 6, 8… Who do We Appreciate?

It says that counting our blessings and listing each one of them help a lot in improving our state of being. It makes us feel better because we know and we are aware of these ‘real-life’ people whom we appreciate our lives for. It stimulates and energizes our soul, thus creating a greater sense of confidence and security. “Nobody is an island”… so just imagine how life is when you couldn’t think of anyone whom you are grateful for… without any blessings to list down to? What a life wasted, right?

3. Rack ‘em up

It only says that we should think of every positive thing that happens during the day and even in the past. We should focus on “happy thoughts”… just like Peter Pan… Happy thoughts made him fly! So, never waste time and energy thinking of negative experiences. Whatever happened in the past are already over. They serve as lessons to us and we can never do anything to bring the past back. All we have to do is to appreciate the good things and experiences that we encounter each day and always give thanks to God because everything happens for a purpose so we might as well be thankful.

4. Think Memorable, Not Material

Material things offer nothing but temporary happiness. If we live our lives based on our possession, truly we will never find contentment and peace. We always strive to live with the standards that this modern world demands. All the more that we should strive to go back to the basics… family, friends, nature, pets, etc. These are the ones that give true happiness. We are living in this ‘high-end’ world, all the more that we should spend quality time with the people that matters most. “Think of life as a terminal illness, because if you do, you will live it with joy and passion, as it ought to be lived.” Anna Quindlen in A Short Guide to a Happy Life


5. Go to the Funny Side

Laughter is still the best remedy, medicine, and most especially prevention to all types of illnesses. When we happy inside, then it radiates through the outside. Instead of giving too much deal with a certain issue or a problem, why not think of the brighter side. Laugh out and see what difference it could make.

6. Escape to Your Stress-Free Zone

I remember when I traveled to Hong Kong with my friends… it relieves me and it brought back my spirit. It was during those times when our deadlines were all piled-up. I took the courage to file a leave after finishing all loads due of me. I was worried then because I was thinking of other loads left but when I reached that place, all my worries were gone. I enjoyed the vacation I had with my friends. It was really stress-free… no text message, phone calls, no demanding boss around… all but me and my friends. One memorable trip I had also was our Boracay trip… it was our company’s outing last 2007. It was very tiring, yet very rewarding trip to all of us.
So, every time I get really stressed, I just try to imagine those memorable vacations… it never failed to give me a smile.


7. See the Glass as Half Full

Let me share some inspirational messages:

“Wonder why the sunset is a lot colorful than the sunrise? That’s one of the ironies of life – there is “good” in goodbyes…"


“Moving on is not about never looking back; it’s taking a glance at yesterday and noticing how much you have grown since then.”

What is common on those messages is looking at the brighter side of each and every happening in life.

8. Find Your Inner Artist

Blogging for one is a creative way of expressing ourselves. We have different talents inside us, singing, dancing, writing poetry, sketching, painting, etc. Take time to indulge in hobbies and past time activities. These can refresh and energize not only our physical strength, but also our spirit.

9. Do Something Good

This, I proved to be very effective. Doing something good to others doesn’t only make you feel better and happy but also creates the same (even greater) impact to the recipient. In our daily lives, we should always aim to do something good for others. We should include it in our daily planner or in our ‘to-do’ list. I include that in my morning prayers…that I may be of service with others and be a channel of goodness and love.

10. Seize the Moment

Just like what my favorite quote says... "If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?" (Stephen Levine) ...

Material things offer nothing but temporary happiness. If we live our lives based on our possession, truly we will never find contentment and peace. We always strive to live with the standards that this modern world demands. All the more that we should strive to go back to the basics… family, friends, nature, pets, etc. These are the ones that give true happiness. We are living in this ‘high-end’ world, all the more that we should spend quality time with the people that matters most.

“Think of life as a terminal illness, because if you do, you will live it with joy and passion, as it ought to be lived.” Anna Quindlen in A Short Guide to a Happy Life


Most of us wait too much that we failed to grab the opportunity to do things that matter most or to be with the people we truly love and cared for. The question that most people ask is "when is the right time?"... and the big answer is "The Time is NOW!" No one knows what will happen tomorrow and tomorrow might be too late.

Rainbow after the Rain

I just want to share this very inspiring piece I received from the net...

Whatever your cross,
whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine,
after the rain ....
Perhaps you may stumble,
perhaps even fall,
But God's always ready,
To answer your call ...
He knows every heartache,
sees every tear,
A word from His lips,
can calm every fear ...
Your sorrows may linger,
throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish,
in dawn's early light ...
The Savior is waiting,
somewhere above,
To give you His grace,
and send you His love...
Whatever your cross,
whatever your pain,
"God always sends rainbows ....
after the rain ... "


To get out of difficulty, one must usually go through it!

Trials are humbling experiences. They allow us to be stronger and permit us to seek our own capabilities and tolerance. Most of all, they allow us to submit ourselves to the most High. There are no easy ways out of difficulties and we can never get out of it unless we face them. We may fail or succeed but we can be sure of that God will always see us through and that He will always send rainbows after the rain. Rainbows are reminder of God's loving grace. It also signifies rewards that we reap out of our courage in facing and dealing with life's difficulties.

Looking Back

“It’s funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different.”

In a relationship, it is good to take a look on how things get started. Sometimes, as the relationship grows older, couples tend to forget how sweet the days were. Couples began to be more focused with their work and other priorities that sometimes they neglect the little things that need to be recognized.

According to Mike Murdock’s book:

The Law of Recognition

Everything you need is already in your life, merely awaiting your recognition of it;
Anything unrecognized remains uncelebrated by you;
Anything you refuse to celebrate usually exits your life: a Gift, a Miracle, or a Person.

Neglecting the one you love by not giving enough of your time seems not to be a problem, especially when couples ignore to talk about it. But the truth is, the longer the situation remains, there is a tendency of withdrawal – withdrawal of feelings, withdrawal of communication.

“At one time in your life, the one you have loved the most will unexpectedly turn out to be the greatest stranger you have ever met.”

It’s saddens me every time I realize how couples were too intimate at the start of the relationship, and eventually fades out as time goes by. It is unlikely to see very old couples walking hand in hand like they used to as ‘sweethearts’. Although, sometimes I see some and I admire them. It is too unlikely to see husbands assisting their wives as they cross the street or riding a bus, compared when they were not married yet.

I admire one of our authors' love life, ma'am Lilia. She and her husband remained very intimate until this time. Her husband would fetch her everyday in the office without fail; may there be storm, floods, or none. Daddy, as how we called her husband, would always check if ma’am Lilia has taken her lunch or snacks already. Ma’am Lilia remained very special and still being treated like a queen until this time at her age of 75. For over 50 years of marriage, they have kept the love, sweetness, and warmth of their relationship.

One time, I asked ma’am Lilia what are the usual causes of their arguments and she proudly told me that they never had any severe fights. It is something that is really hard to believe. She simply said “We never had any severe or worst fight because we don’t have any time for that. When I am trying to explain something, Daddy would listen and respect my opinion. When Daddy is trying to explain something, I will listen and respect his opinion. We are entitled to our own opinions in life and it’s just a matter of accepting and respecting each other’s view. If you don’t agree to each other’s opinion, the least you can do is respect it. It’s reciprocal.”

It’s hard to find such a relationship exists in today’s time. But, one thing is for sure, it is not impossible! If things get worse, try to look back from where the relationship starts. The amount of love given from the start should be the same amount (and much better if greater than it used to be) of love that is still being demonstrated and expressed no matter how old the relationship is. Never get tired of loving each other no matter how many trials the relationship goes through.

“It is always a risk to love someone, and it involves time, patience, and understanding to get someone’s heart to open up. At times, it will work; other times, it won’t. But that’s why you call it a RISK – you invest something and there’s a possibility you won’t win. However, you still get something in return: strength of heart and mind, and the assurance that you won’t have any regret from not trying.”

8 Facts You Don't Know About Me

In the 8 facts about yourself, you share 8 things that your readers don't know about you. Then at the end, you tag at least 8 other bloggers to keep the fun going.

Here are the rules:

* Each blogger must post these rules first.
* Each blogger starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
* Bloggers that are tagged need to write on their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
* At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
* Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.


1. Not everyone knew that I am a graduate of BS Physical Therapy, a 5-year medical course. Although I am presently working in a publishing company (which I really love and enjoy doing), my passion for the care for the sick lives on.

I really wanted to be a military officer. When I was young, I dreamed of wearing military uniforms with a riffle in my waist. My dad was very proud of me when I told him that I wanted to enter the PMA, but my mom declined to it. She told me I can take any other courses except that one. So, I decided to take physical therapy instead and I can say that it’s one of the most rewarding things that ever happened in my life. I learned the value of life, health, and serving other people, most especially the sick.



2. I am a frustrated actress and director. I used to practice them when I was still studying. I received an award for best director when I was in elementary and received recognition as an actress during my high school days. I did some plays during college. I joined the actor’s guild in our institution. Funny thing was, I auditioned for serious and dramatic roles, only to be given comedy and hilarious characters…hehehe!



3. I want to have 8 lovely and healthy kids! Since I only have one sibling, I promised myself that I will have more than two kids. My dad told me that if I really wanted to have 8 kids then I should start now.....hahaha!



4. I hope to have my own foundation and school. I want to contribute something to the society and bring back to others the blessings God has been giving me all throughout these years. I want to be off-service with our less-fortunate brothers and sisters. I want a foundation that will cater to the abandoned and sick children and elderly. Everyday I pray for this. I know that this is a big and expensive endeavor and that I will be devoting all my time and energy but I firmly believe that if it’s God’s will, then everything will be possible in His own time.



5. Two things I couldn't go without when sleeping are a blanket and my rosary. I couldn't sleep without a blanket... never mind the pillows! Even if the weather is too hot, I will still put my blanket on. I also couldn't go to sleep without holding my rosary. It always amaze me everytime I wake up still holding the rosary. I would even wake up at night everytime I feel that I lost grasp of my rosary. I will search for it, hold it again, then go back to sleep.



6. I spend an hour to fix myself every morning before I can get to work; that includes bathing, grooming, and pampering! I love scents and make-ups. I collect perfumes and sprays. One of my favorite perfumes is Clinique - Happy, while Pear Glaze of Victoria Secret is my favorite spray. I loved scented lotions too… mostly from Victoria secret. I love make-ups too! I have lots of make-ups such as foundation (I go for liquid and matte mousse), eye shadows, cheek blush-on, and lots and lots of different shades of lipsticks!!!!



7. I am a book lover. I enjoy reading since I was a kid. I remember I learned to start reading even before I start schooling. My mom also worked in a publishing firm that is why I was blessed with lots of books and instructional materials. She would give me books as a birthday present rather than giving me a toy or candy. I used to complain but now, I thank her for that! When I was in high school, I could finish a novel in just one night. I have lots of books and I neatly placed them in a book shelve… I have Nancy Drew series, Beverly Hills High, different fiction and non-fiction books. I love to read suspense and mystery novels (Mary Higgins-Clark, Sidney Sheldon, etc.)



8. I have mentioned in no. 7 that I love to read novels… but one thing I love to read now is the Holy Bible! My views and my life have dramatically changed when I opened my heart to Him. I studied in catholic schools ran by sisters and congregations. We are required to memorize all the common prayers and how to pray the rosary. We are also required to be familiarized with the Holy Mass and other sacraments. I prayed when I was younger, but only now that I really recognized God’s presence in my life.
Now, my mystery books and novels are safely kept and placed in a book shelve. I am more of reading inspirational books, books about life and God. I guess, this kind of thing goes with age. As you experience life’s hurts and struggles, you begin to search and recognize the things that really matter in life. Yes, I am raised as a Catholic with strict religious values but only now that I really appreciate the importance of these things.
At present, I am active in serving our church in various activities (as the head of the evangelization committee) and has been serving as a lector/ commentator for 4 years. I am now not just a Catholic but a certified BELIEVER.


Thanks Lourdz for, once again, sending me a nice tag... while doing this, I realised that while most of us enjoy knowing others by looking in to their profiles, it is also equally good to share some trivial things about ourselves...

Now, I hope to know some facts about my blogger friends: bluedreamer, coolingstar9, hye, sophia, and toni.

5 Lessons About the Way We Treat People.

I received a very interesting e-mail from a friend and I wish to share it to the readers... I guess, you have received the same message before. The message really got my attention because I always believe that in LIFE, simple things count! We may never know how much our little actions mean to others... but they count and remembered. How would you like to be remembered?

First Important Lesson

Cleaning Lady

During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely!" said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello." I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

Second Important Lesson


Pick-up in the Rain

One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car hadbroken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away... Godbless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others. "Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.

Third Important Lesson


Always Remember Those Who Serve

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.



Fourth Important Lesson


The Obstacle in Our Path

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand! Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

Fifth Important Lesson

Giving When it Counts

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he wouldbe willing to give his blood to his sister.I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?" Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.

The "I" TAG

I am being tagged by lourdz... it is called the "I" tag... It's a nice tag, actually. I am amazed to know more about myself... there are some questions here that I never asked myself before, so it became a first-hand experience for me...hahaha.

I AM…............................. simply me! (friendly, happy, versatile, and spiritual person)

I WANT…....................... to have a simple, peaceful life, having my own family (hopefully with 8 kids), someday!

I HAVE…......................... lots of good people around me (family, friends, etc)!

I WISH…......................... I am a police woman or a member of military force! I also wish to have my own foundation (someday) that caters the homeless, abandoned, and sick children and the very old.

I HATE............................ PMS (it's a girl thing!)

I FEAR............................. snakes, cockroaches! (lourdz... glad to know i'm not alone!!! i'm really, really afraid of cockroaches...i swear)

I SEARCH….................... about things I don't know and I don't understand

I WONDER...................... how heaven looks like!

I REGRET........................ for me, I don't regret anything that happened in my life because I always believe that experiences are the best teachers. Success comes after failures.

I LOVE….......................... GOD, family, friends

I ALWAYS…..................... forgive and forget

I AM NOT......................... perfect

I DANCE…........................ well! I was once a dance club member during my high school days!

I SING…............................ well! I love to sing eversince I was a kid. I was also a member of our church choir (Sto. Domingo) during my h.s and college days.

I CRY….............................. when I get emotionally hurt; when I see other people crying; when I watch drama and heart-breaking movies; I also cry when I'm overwhelmed and happy... I cry a lot and i guess, it makes me stronger.

I WRITE…......................... everything that comes in my mind. I have a diary since I was in grade school! I remember I started to write a book (some kind of a comics type, with drawings on it... stick drawings, haha) when I was 7 or 8 years old, then I gave it to my childhood bestfriend, Jelly Tan. We haven't seen each other for a long time but the last time we talked, she told me that she has kept my book over the years... I'm just so excited to see it someday, when given the opportunity to see each other again.

I AM CONFUSED…......... with our government!

I NEED…............................ extra time to rest!

I SHOULD…....................... be more focused on my goals; I should not expect everybody to love and treat me the way I wanted to; I should be more loving and patient; I should go an extra mile; I should always take a deep breath when in stress...

THE LAST THOUGHT YOU GO TO SLEEP WITH IS…........... "thank you, Lord for this day!"

Add your name after mine. Tag as many as you want.Butchay Sugar Len Cecil Lena1 Lena2 Lourdz, Jen


Again, thank you, lourdz for this; it's really fun... and I hope to know my blogger friends' more through this tag...

I'm tagging my dear blogger friends...

bluedreamer, hye, toni, coolingstar, and sophia